Pony has been lame on and off of late.
Vet has diagnosed that he has no cartlidge in his stifle and has an abcess on it aswell.

He wants to operate at great expense and the people who own this pony can't afford it. He has told them after the operation (which apparently will be really expensive - $1000 to $2000) it will cost them $300 or so a month to manage it for the rest of his life (pony is only 12).

Owners are talking of possibly putting him down - I think there's got to be a better solution.

If possible contact another vet and receive a second opinion. If he agrees it would be best to put him down rather than force an animal to deal with the pain and suffering that would occur over the rest of his life. Sometimes you have to know when to let go.

Usually the stifle surgery I am familiar with is for upward fixation of the patella. Its a simple surgery they do on the farm where they do a tiny incision and cut the tendon. This keeps it from locking up anymore. Usually its about 200.00

I have no experience though with an abcess. I would also get a 2nd opinion.

^^ agreed. get a second or third opinion. Even if you just call a vet and explain the scenario maybe they can give a list (if any) alternative treatments. Start with giving him a gulcosamine joint supplement. (Talk to the vet about it.) That may help him be more comfortable for now.

I am hoping to get the owners number today and talk to them first hand about the problem (as I got the info from someone else).

I will most strongly advise them to seek a second opinion with a very experienced vet in my town. I have not had very good reports on the place where they took him. Yes, it is an equine hospital with all the bells and whistles - but they do not have any experienced vets there (from very reliable sources in the horse industry).

If they are still keen to put him down but I think something can be done I will see if I can obtain the pony. Their daughter is into jumping and it appears that they are not prepared to consider anything other than a jumper.

Anyway, will see what happens from here. This is a picture of the pony when we had him - absolutely gorgeous and he is only 12.

Cartilage is not visible on radiograph so unless an MRI was performed, I am curious to know how this vet diagnosed the stifle as having "no cartilage left." I'd seek a second opinion. If the 2nd agrees with the first, prognosis is grave- cartilage has no ability to regenerate so once it is gone, it is gone forever and there is little you can do for this fella. Best of luck.

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